Guest guest Posted February 3, 2006 Report Share Posted February 3, 2006 Hi all, I'm new to the group. I am a vegetarian (formerly vegan) 1st time mom of a 3 month old. He's exclusively breast-fed now, but I'm thinking ahead to starting solids around 6 months and I'm looking for suggestions on books to read that support a vegetarian or vegan diet for little ones. Also, if anyone has any ideas about what foods to start with, I'd like to hear. I have a history of allergies, asthma, and eczema so I'd like to err on the side of caution as far as introducing anything that might likely be allergenic. Does that mean soy is out? If so, what do you do for protein if not feeding meat, egg or dairy (and, presumably, no nuts)? I'd like to keep him on some breastmilk until he's at least a year - is that sufficient protein? Thanks Wendy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 7, 2006 Report Share Posted February 7, 2006 I started with rice cereal then baby oatmeal somewhere around 4 months and I had started to give her follow up soy formula for infants over 4 months. Then introduced baby foods (I tried to make my own for a while but it didn't go over so well for my little one and I eventually started buying organic babyfood) fruits one at a time and then vegetables. I also started some finger foods like cheerios. I think my daughter was at least 14-16 months before I gave her anything else. I'm sure there is enough protein in your breastmilk and whatever fruits/veggies your child is eating for the first year. I think when I started with protein sources - I cut up little pieces of flavoured tofu or seitan or veggie dogs or whatever in just little pieces and I only gave her a small amount. It'd probably be okay to start doing this around 9 or 10 months. I read the " New Vegetarian Baby " and " Vegetarian Baby and Child " that was 6 years ago and they were helpful at the time but there may be better books on the market now. Renee Wendy Dean <wjlarlington wrote: Hi all, I'm new to the group. I am a vegetarian (formerly vegan) 1st time mom of a 3 month old. He's exclusively breast-fed now, but I'm thinking ahead to starting solids around 6 months and I'm looking for suggestions on books to read that support a vegetarian or vegan diet for little ones. Also, if anyone has any ideas about what foods to start with, I'd like to hear. I have a history of allergies, asthma, and eczema so I'd like to err on the side of caution as far as introducing anything that might likely be allergenic. Does that mean soy is out? If so, what do you do for protein if not feeding meat, egg or dairy (and, presumably, no nuts)? I'd like to keep him on some breastmilk until he's at least a year - is that sufficient protein? Thanks Wendy For more information about vegetarianism, please visit the VRG website at http://www.vrg.org and for materials especially useful for families go to http://www.vrg.org/family.This is a discussion list and is not intended to provide personal medical advice. Medical advice should be obtained from a qualified health professional. edical advice. Medical advice should be obtained from a qualified health professional. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 8, 2006 Report Share Posted February 8, 2006 Hi Wendy, I didn't see your original question posted, only this reply from Renee. I would like to say that it is REALLY important to avoid solids before six months of age and preferably to exclusively breastfeed for as long as possible. Also, supplimenting any other fluids will cause your breastmilk supply to diminish and therefore lead to a need to give other nutrition (supply and demand- your body makes as much milk as your child is drinking, regularly replace a feed with formula/water/whatever and your body will no longer produce enough milk to supply that feed.) . The national breastfeeding organisation here in Australia has a great website with lots of up to date information (see - http://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/bfinfo/ justbm.html ). A freind of mine who practices Traditonal Chinese Medicine recomends Congee as baby's first food. it is like rice porrige. It is the first introduced food with certain fruits and vegetables added at weekly or fortnightly intervals to the congee. Myself, I exclusively breastfed for 8 months and then started giving my daughter mashed banana, paw paw (papaya) or avocodo mixed half and half with breastmilk. She was over a year before I started to introduce other foods to her diet. Breastmilk contains all the goodness your child needs and there is no (health) reason to rush the introduction of solids or to think that your child will be lacking anything by being exclusively breastfed for up to a year. I hope I have been of some help. Breastfeeding (and separating the old wives tales from fact) is one of my passions. Love and peace, B Becky Spiral Garden - Play, Nature's Way. www.spiralgarden.com.au On 08/02/2006, at 5:57 AM, Renee Carroll wrote: > I started with rice cereal then baby oatmeal somewhere around 4 > months and I had started to give her follow up soy formula for > infants over 4 months. Then introduced baby foods (I tried to make > my own for a while but it didn't go over so well for my little one > and I eventually started buying organic babyfood) fruits one at a > time and then vegetables. I also started some finger foods like > cheerios. I think my daughter was at least 14-16 months before I > gave her anything else. I'm sure there is enough protein in your > breastmilk and whatever fruits/veggies your child is eating for the > first year. I think when I started with protein sources - I cut up > little pieces of flavoured tofu or seitan or veggie dogs or > whatever in just little pieces and I only gave her a small amount. > It'd probably be okay to start doing this around 9 or 10 months. > I read the " New Vegetarian Baby " and " Vegetarian Baby and Child " > that was 6 years ago and they were helpful at the time but there > may be better books on the market now. > Renee > > Wendy Dean <wjlarlington wrote: Hi all, > > I'm new to the group. I am a vegetarian (formerly vegan) 1st > time mom of a 3 month old. He's exclusively breast-fed now, but > I'm thinking ahead to starting solids around 6 months and I'm > looking for suggestions on books to read that support a vegetarian > or vegan diet for little ones. Also, if anyone has any ideas about > what foods to start with, I'd like to hear. I have a history of > allergies, asthma, and eczema so I'd like to err on the side of > caution as far as introducing anything that might likely be > allergenic. Does that mean soy is out? If so, what do you do for > protein if not feeding meat, egg or dairy (and, presumably, no > nuts)? I'd like to keep him on some breastmilk until he's at least > a year - is that sufficient protein? > > Thanks > Wendy For more information about vegetarianism, please visit the VRG > website at http://www.vrg.org and for materials especially useful > for families go to http://www.vrg.org/family.This is a discussion > list and is not intended to provide personal medical advice. > Medical advice should be obtained from a qualified health > professional. > > edical advice. Medical advice should be obtained from a qualified > health professional. > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 8, 2006 Report Share Posted February 8, 2006 She said that she intended to exclusively breastfeed (no solids) until 6 months of age. I was only stating what I did. My daughter was exclusively breastfed the first few months - I had the best intentions but things don't always work out the way we plan. She was 6 pounds at birth, had lost down to 5 lbs 9 oz. and only hit the 7 pound mark at 2 months. Her pediatrician was concerned about her weight so I added more fat and high calorie content food to my diet. I weighed about 190+ pounds when she was 2-4 months old (compared to the between 125-130 I weighed that time the year before). The weight I was carrying around was taxing on my body the last thing I needed was to up my calorie and fat intake. It wasn't about me it was about what was best for my baby though. My milk supply was decreasing more and more after I started back work - I could only pump so much on my breaks. Financially I couldn't afford at that time to take a leave without pay. I had quite a bit of breastmilk in the freezer that I had frozen when I was on maternity leave. Eventually what was in the freezer ran out (that milk also had the lower fat content as well because of when it was pumped) and my supply of breastmilk wasn't keeping up with her. I was taking her to the doctor several times a week because they were concerned about her weight. My insurance provided a lactation consultant who encouraged me to continue to breastfeed despite everything I was going thru. I did everything I could to breastfeed for as long as I could but in reality I had a baby that I was starving by me choosing to only breastfeed. I'm a different person that I was six years ago. When she was born I was barely out of college and working a job paying little more than minimum wage. I had no financial stability. My husband was just starting his career. We were still eating like college kids. Over the past six years our tastes have changed and we are more conscious of eating healthier, nutrious foods. Anyway eventhough I chose to add cereal along with soy formula before six months I think Wendy could get something out of my experience with starting to introduce solids. As far as in what order to introduce things, to do so slowly, watch for allergic reactions etc. Renee Brings words and photos together (easily) with PhotoMail - it's free and works with Mail. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 8, 2006 Report Share Posted February 8, 2006 Hi all, My name is Paige and I'm new to the group, a vegetarian of 5 years and mother to a nearly 14-month old daughter. I agree with the idea of breastfeeding as long as possible. I introduced solids to Piper at the late 6-month mark, starting with rice cereal made with breastmilk. Re exclusive breastfeeding and delaying solids, I do think there is something to be said for taking advantage of a child's natural curiosity about " real " food and using that as the cue to start. If it's possible, you can pump and store your breastmilk, to avoid any drop in supply. I did this exclusively for the first year as we were not successful at the breast. Luckily I was a big producer and supply was never a problem. Food can be an issue-laden area during child-rearing and my philosophy has been to keep it as fun and interesting and enjoyable as possible. So far, so good. My daughter is an enthusiastic and unpicky eater. Wendy, I don't think you have to worry about protein for your son as long as the bulk of his calories are coming from breastmilk. And even after, insufficient protein intake is rarely a problem in those parts of the world where calorie consumption is adequate. Actually, most Americans get too much. As for books, I have one called Super Baby Food by Ruth Yaron. Her twin boys were born prematurely and quite sick, if I remember right. She advocates a mostly vegetarian diet (she includes a bit on dessicated liver), and has many suggestions and tips on making everything at home. It's a great book. Also, there is the New Vegetarian Baby by Sharon Yntema and Christine Beard, and Raising Vegetarian Children by Joanne Stepaniak and Vesanto Melina. There is a line of commercial organic baby food out there called Earth's Best. They have some really great stuff. Also Beech Nut makes corn with black beans and rice... Hope this helps. Good luck! Peace to all... Paige >Becky <beckstar > > >Re: Starting Solids >Wed, 8 Feb 2006 19:25:53 +1000 > >Hi Wendy, >I didn't see your original question posted, only this reply from >Renee. I would like to say that it is REALLY important to avoid >solids before six months of age and preferably to exclusively >breastfeed for as long as possible. Also, supplimenting any other >fluids will cause your breastmilk supply to diminish and therefore >lead to a need to give other nutrition (supply and demand- your body >makes as much milk as your child is drinking, regularly replace a >feed with formula/water/whatever and your body will no longer produce >enough milk to supply that feed.) . The national breastfeeding >organisation here in Australia has a great website with lots of up to >date information (see - http://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/bfinfo/ >justbm.html ). A freind of mine who practices Traditonal Chinese >Medicine recomends Congee as baby's first food. it is like rice >porrige. It is the first introduced food with certain fruits and >vegetables added at weekly or fortnightly intervals to the congee. >Myself, I exclusively breastfed for 8 months and then started giving >my daughter mashed banana, paw paw (papaya) or avocodo mixed half and >half with breastmilk. She was over a year before I started to >introduce other foods to her diet. Breastmilk contains all the >goodness your child needs and there is no (health) reason to rush the >introduction of solids or to think that your child will be lacking >anything by being exclusively breastfed for up to a year. >I hope I have been of some help. Breastfeeding (and separating the >old wives tales from fact) is one of my passions. >Love and peace, >B > > > > > >Becky >Spiral Garden - Play, Nature's Way. >www.spiralgarden.com.au > > >On 08/02/2006, at 5:57 AM, Renee Carroll wrote: > > > I started with rice cereal then baby oatmeal somewhere around 4 > > months and I had started to give her follow up soy formula for > > infants over 4 months. Then introduced baby foods (I tried to make > > my own for a while but it didn't go over so well for my little one > > and I eventually started buying organic babyfood) fruits one at a > > time and then vegetables. I also started some finger foods like > > cheerios. I think my daughter was at least 14-16 months before I > > gave her anything else. I'm sure there is enough protein in your > > breastmilk and whatever fruits/veggies your child is eating for the > > first year. I think when I started with protein sources - I cut up > > little pieces of flavoured tofu or seitan or veggie dogs or > > whatever in just little pieces and I only gave her a small amount. > > It'd probably be okay to start doing this around 9 or 10 months. > > I read the " New Vegetarian Baby " and " Vegetarian Baby and Child " > > that was 6 years ago and they were helpful at the time but there > > may be better books on the market now. > > Renee > > > > Wendy Dean <wjlarlington wrote: Hi all, > > > > I'm new to the group. I am a vegetarian (formerly vegan) 1st > > time mom of a 3 month old. He's exclusively breast-fed now, but > > I'm thinking ahead to starting solids around 6 months and I'm > > looking for suggestions on books to read that support a vegetarian > > or vegan diet for little ones. Also, if anyone has any ideas about > > what foods to start with, I'd like to hear. I have a history of > > allergies, asthma, and eczema so I'd like to err on the side of > > caution as far as introducing anything that might likely be > > allergenic. Does that mean soy is out? If so, what do you do for > > protein if not feeding meat, egg or dairy (and, presumably, no > > nuts)? I'd like to keep him on some breastmilk until he's at least > > a year - is that sufficient protein? > > > > Thanks > > Wendy > > > > > > > > > > > > > > For more information about vegetarianism, please visit the VRG > > website at http://www.vrg.org and for materials especially useful > > for families go to http://www.vrg.org/family.This is a discussion > > list and is not intended to provide personal medical advice. > > Medical advice should be obtained from a qualified health > > professional. > > > > edical advice. Medical advice should be obtained from a qualified > > health professional. > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 9, 2006 Report Share Posted February 9, 2006 I am sorry if I offended you, Renee. That was not my intention. You did not mention in your earlier post to Wendy that your doctor was guiding you as the lack of wieght gain. I am sure Wendy will be able to gather something from your experience, especially now you given the full details. B Becky Spiral Garden - Play, Nature's Way. www.spiralgarden.com.au On 09/02/2006, at 1:52 AM, Renee Carroll wrote: > She said that she intended to exclusively breastfeed (no solids) > until 6 months of age. I was only stating what I did. My daughter > was exclusively breastfed the first few months - I had the best > intentions but things don't always work out the way we plan. She > was 6 pounds at birth, had lost down to 5 lbs 9 oz. and only hit > the 7 pound mark at 2 months. Her pediatrician was concerned about > her weight so I added more fat and high calorie content food to my > diet. I weighed about 190+ pounds when she was 2-4 months old > (compared to the between 125-130 I weighed that time the year > before). The weight I was carrying around was taxing on my body > the last thing I needed was to up my calorie and fat intake. It > wasn't about me it was about what was best for my baby though. My > milk supply was decreasing more and more after I started back work > - I could only pump so much on my breaks. Financially I couldn't > afford at that time to take a leave without pay. I had quite a bit of > breastmilk in the freezer that I had frozen when I was on maternity > leave. Eventually what was in the freezer ran out (that milk also > had the lower fat content as well because of when it was pumped) > and my supply of breastmilk wasn't keeping up with her. I was > taking her to the doctor several times a week because they were > concerned about her weight. My insurance provided a lactation > consultant who encouraged me to continue to breastfeed despite > everything I was going thru. I did everything I could to > breastfeed for as long as I could but in reality I had a baby that > I was starving by me choosing to only breastfeed. I'm a different > person that I was six years ago. When she was born I was barely > out of college and working a job paying little more than minimum > wage. I had no financial stability. My husband was just starting > his career. We were still eating like college kids. Over the past > six years our tastes have changed and we are more conscious of > eating healthier, > nutrious foods. > Anyway eventhough I chose to add cereal along with soy formula > before six months I think Wendy could get something out of my > experience with starting to introduce solids. As far as in what > order to introduce things, to do so slowly, watch for allergic > reactions etc. > Renee > > > > > Brings words and photos together (easily) with > PhotoMail - it's free and works with Mail. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 10, 2006 Report Share Posted February 10, 2006 I don't think it matters why Renee chose not to continue breastfeeding; it was her choice to do so or not. Becky, I'm sure your intent was not to offend her. For me, when you said you're " passionate " about breastfeeding, it reminded me of a friend of mine who says she is passionate about breastfeeding...which really translates to she's going to judge someone who doesn't breastfeed and even get angry at them. To me, that's judgmental, not passionate. In relation to promoting vegetarianism/veganism among family and friends, I've always found that less is more...or at least being nonjudgmental and not guilting is more affective in getting meateaters to listen and entertain some different eating possibilities...they even start coming to me on their own for information. I was wondering what others' experiences are with meateaters on this topic? Becky, like I said, I'm sure your intent is good...your posts just brought up these thoughts for me. Regarding starting solids, many grains have a lot of protein in them. The one I used a lot was Quinoa (actually a seed). It's very bland and lends itself to being mixed with fruit. It has the most protein of any grain that I could find. I'd wait on wheat...starting wheat early has actually been correlated to the development of wheat allergies. With allergies and skin conditions in the family, I'd go slow. I'd also hold off on nuts (the AAP recommends age 3). Good luck! , Becky <beckstar wrote: > > I am sorry if I offended you, Renee. That was not my intention. You > did not mention in your earlier post to Wendy that your doctor was > guiding you as the lack of wieght gain. I am sure Wendy will be able > to gather something from your experience, especially now you given > the full details. > B > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 15, 2006 Report Share Posted February 15, 2006 Well, thank you Lisa, I think IS important why she chose not to continue, if she is giving advice to others. A little background information is always important when everyone's situations are so different.. It upsets me that there are so many myths out there about breastfeeding and I think it is always important to be sure people asking for advice are getting the correct information. People have a right to choose to do whatever they like. I do not judge renee for her choices regarding breastfeeding. I only joined this group a couple of weeks ago, but i think I will leave it now. I AM passionate about breastfeeding, among other things, but if I am not free to share the knowledge and experience i have without being told off, then there is not much point being in that kind of support group. Blessings to you all on your parenting journey, Becky On 10/02/2006, at 10:47 PM, Lisa wrote > I don't think it matters why Renee chose not to continue > breastfeeding; it was her choice to do so or not. Becky, I'm sure your > intent was not to offend her. For me, when you said > you're " passionate " about breastfeeding, it reminded me of a friend of > mine who says she is passionate about breastfeeding...which really > translates to she's going to judge someone who doesn't breastfeed and > even get angry at them. To me, that's judgmental, not passionate. In > relation to promoting vegetarianism/veganism among family and friends, > I've always found that less is more...or at least being nonjudgmental > and not guilting is more affective in getting meateaters to listen and > entertain some different eating possibilities...they even start coming > to me on their own for information. I was wondering what others' > experiences are with meateaters on this topic? Becky, like I said, I'm > sure your intent is good...your posts just brought up these thoughts > for me. > > Regarding starting solids, many grains have a lot of protein in them. > The one I used a lot was Quinoa (actually a seed). It's very bland and > lends itself to being mixed with fruit. It has the most protein of any > grain that I could find. I'd wait on wheat...starting wheat early has > actually been correlated to the development of wheat allergies. With > allergies and skin conditions in the family, I'd go slow. I'd also > hold off on nuts (the AAP recommends age 3). Good luck! > > , Becky <beckstar wrote: > > > > I am sorry if I offended you, Renee. That was not my intention. > You > > did not mention in your earlier post to Wendy that your doctor was > > guiding you as the lack of wieght gain. I am sure Wendy will be > able > > to gather something from your experience, especially now you given > > the full details. > > B > > For more information about vegetarianism, please visit the VRG > website at http://www.vrg.org and for materials especially useful > for families go to http://www.vrg.org/family.This is a discussion > list and is not intended to provide personal medical advice. > Medical advice should be obtained from a qualified health > professional. > > edical advice. Medical advice should be obtained from a qualified > health professional. > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 16, 2006 Report Share Posted February 16, 2006 It was absolutely NOT relevant to the string. Renee said what SHE did, not what the initial poster SHOULD do. Renee wasn't giving advice. She was telling her experience, as the initial poster requested. The initial poster asked for our experiences, not our advice. Everyone is free to share their experiences without being judged. This includes those who exclusively formula feed their babies. This is a vegetarian board, not a pro-breastfeeding board. I am passionate about many things, but I don't discuss them on the vegetarian board. All vegetarians/vegans aren't the same, and people come here primarily to discuss vegetarian/vegan issues. What if I threw out my political affiliation, and then inferred that everyone who doesn't agree with it needs my information, bc I'm correct. I don't mind the information about breastfeeding...it has to do with nutrition, and it is very important. But Renee's information is just as important as yours and her path is a valid option to choose, no matter how she ended up down that path. Obviously it was a healthy choice...her child is alive and well. No one told you off. I told you how your word " passion " brought up thoughts for me of a friend. The rest was about how our passion for something is expressed with other people and how effective that expression is...specifically in expressing our passion for veg*sm. It wasn't about you. I'm sorry I wasn't clear. Personally, I think you should stay in the group. There's a lot of good information posted. , Becky <beckstar wrote: > > Well, thank you Lisa, > I think IS important why she chose not to continue, if she is giving > advice to others. A little background information is always > important when everyone's situations are so different.. > It upsets me that there are so many myths out there about > breastfeeding and I think it is always important to be sure people > asking for advice are getting the correct information. > People have a right to choose to do whatever they like. I do not > judge renee for her choices regarding breastfeeding. > I only joined this group a couple of weeks ago, but i think I will > leave it now. > I AM passionate about breastfeeding, among other things, but if I > am not free to share the knowledge and experience i have without > being told off, then there is not much point being in that kind of > support group. > > Blessings to you all on your parenting journey, > > Becky > > > > On 10/02/2006, at 10:47 PM, Lisa wrote > > > I don't think it matters why Renee chose not to continue > > breastfeeding; it was her choice to do so or not. Becky, I'm sure your > > intent was not to offend her. For me, when you said > > you're " passionate " about breastfeeding, it reminded me of a friend of > > mine who says she is passionate about breastfeeding...which really > > translates to she's going to judge someone who doesn't breastfeed and > > even get angry at them. To me, that's judgmental, not passionate. In > > relation to promoting vegetarianism/veganism among family and friends, > > I've always found that less is more...or at least being nonjudgmental > > and not guilting is more affective in getting meateaters to listen and > > entertain some different eating possibilities...they even start coming > > to me on their own for information. I was wondering what others' > > experiences are with meateaters on this topic? Becky, like I said, I'm > > sure your intent is good...your posts just brought up these thoughts > > for me. > > > > Regarding starting solids, many grains have a lot of protein in them. > > The one I used a lot was Quinoa (actually a seed). It's very bland and > > lends itself to being mixed with fruit. It has the most protein of any > > grain that I could find. I'd wait on wheat...starting wheat early has > > actually been correlated to the development of wheat allergies. With > > allergies and skin conditions in the family, I'd go slow. I'd also > > hold off on nuts (the AAP recommends age 3). Good luck! > > > > , Becky <beckstar@> wrote: > > > > > > I am sorry if I offended you, Renee. That was not my intention. > > You > > > did not mention in your earlier post to Wendy that your doctor was > > > guiding you as the lack of wieght gain. I am sure Wendy will be > > able > > > to gather something from your experience, especially now you given > > > the full details. > > > B > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > For more information about vegetarianism, please visit the VRG > > website at http://www.vrg.org and for materials especially useful > > for families go to http://www.vrg.org/family.This is a discussion > > list and is not intended to provide personal medical advice. > > Medical advice should be obtained from a qualified health > > professional. > > > > edical advice. Medical advice should be obtained from a qualified > > health professional. > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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